Marshall University Athletics
Cody Sparrow Named Senior Associate AD for Compliance and Student-Athlete Success
1/7/2026 10:00:00 AM | General, Student-Athlete Success
New senior administrator joins Herd after two years at ULM in similar capacity
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald J. Harrison announced the hiring of Cody Sparrow as the new Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and Student-Athlete Success on Wednesday.
Sparrow joins the Marshall executive team and Herd family after spending the last two years as the Senior Associate AD for Compliance at fellow Sun Belt Conference member ULM.
"I am elated to be joining Marshall Athletics and to be a part of a department that has a rich history and unfailing pride within the community that prioritizes excellence, integrity, accountability and student-athlete success and development," Sparrow said. "I would like to thank Gerald Harrison, Niesha Campbell and Toney Stroud for their leadership, support, confidence and trust in me to continue building strong relationships and working with many across campus to serve the student-athletes, staff, coaches and the entire community of Marshall University. I look forward to learning from and working with President Brad Smith on his vision – not only for athletics, but for Marshall University as a whole. I am excited and look forward to contributing to the continued success of the Herd while representing Marshall University with pride, integrity and dedication."
In his role at ULM, Sparrow was responsible for oversight of NCAA, Sun Belt Conference and institutional rules and regulations for the Warhawks' athletics programs.
Sparrow will serve in those same functions at Marshall while expanding on his role within the athletics realm by also offering leadership and oversight for all areas related to the holistic development, health and well-being of Marshall's student-athletes.
This will include leadership and strategic planning in the areas of academic services, sports performance and nutrition, athletic training and sports medicine, as well as student-athlete development programming.
Sparrow will also be a key liaison between Marshall Athletics and campus to fortify the student-athlete experience by creating an inclusive, student-centered culture that aligns with the principles of the Herd Mentality, which focuses on academic achievement, competitive excellence and personal growth.
"We are excited to welcome Cody to our Marshall Athletics team," Harrison said. "Cody's role is integral to our goals of achieving the Herd Mentality and amplifying the experience of our student-athletes, and we can't wait for him to get started as we look to better the Herd. Cody will be heavily involved in all facets of our department initiatives and his extensive experience in several areas of the athletics realm is a value to Marshall Athletics and Marshall University."
Prior to his time at ULM, Sparrow spent six years as the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Services and General Counsel at Idaho State – his alma mater where he'd worked in several capacities since 2014.
From 2012 to 2014, Sparrow served at Utah Valley University as an Athletic Academic Advisor and Student Services Coordinator.
In addition to his roles within athletics, Sparrow has extensive experience on the academic side, having been an adjunct professor for the last 13 years at ULM, Idaho State and Utah Valley University.
Sparrow earned three degrees from Idaho State: his Bachelor's degree in Sport Management with a minor in Coaching (2009), a Master's degree in Physical Education (Athletic Administration, 2011) and his MBA (2017). He also has an Associate of Applied Science degree from Utah Valley that he earned in 2014.
He also is a member of the National Association for Athletic Compliance and is a certified Title IX investigator through United Educators and ATIXA.
Sparrow and his wife, Tessa, have a son, Payton, and daughter, Taylee.
